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Oceans 17

Senior Programs Ages 14-17

Oceans 17 serves as the capstone program for MarineQuest.  An intensive three-week long program for highly motivated teen marine scientists-in-training, Oceans 17 provides opportunities to conduct relevant lab and field-based research alongside UNCW marine science faculty, staff, and graduate students.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

**This program is now full. Newly submitted applications will automatically be added to the waitlist. Please note that if a seat becomes available, both a completed application and teacher recommendation must be submitted in order to claim the open seat.**

apply here

"This program has exposed me to so much equipment and knowledge that most undergrads and graduates don’t get to experience."

~Oceans 17 alum

What will students gain?

Oceans 17 utilizes science equipment and technology to support research efforts as participants collaborate with UNCW faculty and staff.  Students will develop knowledge and skills that can enhance their future college experience. Students will interpret the data they collect and present their findings as part of a research symposium held on the final day of the program.  

What will students do outside of research?

It's not all work! Students will hit the open ocean and SCUBA dive in the Graveyard of the Atlantic (weather conditions permitting) and earn their Advanced Open Water SCUBA Certification. They will apply their diving skills to collecting data during their undersea adventures. And there will be opportunities to enjoy the beach, boogie board, kayak, snorkel, and make friends.

Students will also have time to explore the UNCW campus and meet with our admissions staff as part of this pre-college experience designed to help them succeed in the ultra-competitive field of marine science.

What will students explore and discover?

  • Conduct relevant research in UNCW laboratories at UNCW’s Center for Marine Science and other state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Collaborate with UNCW faculty, staff, and graduate students to conduct real-world scientific studies unlike anything typically done in a high school setting.
  • Participate in an ocean-based research cruise using aboard ship technology and oceanographic equipment to collect oceanographic data.
  • Assess the health and biodiversity of coastal ecosystems while getting hands-on experience with the tools of professional marine scientists.
  • Develop your scientific communication skills as you put together a team presentation based on one of the many studies you engage in during your time at Oceans 17.
  • Complete a community service project that benefits the marine environment.
  • Explore the growing field of marine biotechnology in developing new drugs and pharmaceutical therapies that will benefit society.
  • Complete PADI Refresher course and have the opportunity to earn your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification.
  • Participate in 3 dive days, total of 6 dives with a 1:4 instructor-to-student safety ratio (weather/condition permitting).

Program Dates, Tuition, & Registration

Ocean 17 Program Dates, Tuition, & Registration
Ages 16 - 17 (designed for students completing 11th grade)
Prerequisites

Accredited Open Water Diver Certification

DAN insurance coverage
Staff/Student Ratio 1:8 with a scuba ratio of 1:4 
Schedule

Virtual prep week asynchronous**

Sunday - Friday (3 weeks)
Check-in/out Sunday 3:00 PM
Friday Presentations 1:00 PM
Summer Sessions

FULL

Virtual Prep: June 9 - 14, 2024

June 16 - July 5, 2024
Academic Fee*** $3,200
Overnight Fee

$3,200

Total cost: Academic + Overnight = $6,400
Location UNCW Campus - Loggerhead Hall Check-in
Registration Deadline You must register two weeks prior to the start of the program. 

*Note that prices, content, dates, and times are subject to change without notice.

**The week before arrival at UNCW, Oceans 17 is an asynchronous, virtual week consisting of 1 virtual meeting and about 45 minutes a day of independent research prep. Students will also be responsible for completing PADI SCUBA eLearning before the start of the program.  

***Academic fee includes advanced open water certification, charters, SCUBA equipment rental of BCD, regulator, computer, and wetsuit.  Students are responsible for bringing their own mask, fins, and snorkel.  You can go to a local dive shop or purchase mask, fins, and snorkel on the first day of the program at Aquatic Safaris. 

Scuba Diving Program FAQs

DAN insurance is a specialized insurance coverage for diving accidents and dive travel.  Dive Hawks, MarineQuest Scientific Diver, and Oceans-17 students are required to have DAN insurance with at least coverage at the master level.  

  1. Select the membership that fits your student (either individual or family).
  2. Select the plan that fits your students (must be at least mater level).

Get your coverage today!

 

PADI eLearning is the book work required to earn your Open Water, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Nitrox, or Advanced Open Water certification.  About 3 weeks prior to your program start date you will be issued an eLearning code.  You are required to complete your program eLearning course before arriving at your MarineQuest program.

The PADI eLearning portal will also contain additional PADI forms that must be completed.  This includes the PADI Medical Statement.  If you answer yes to any of the questions in the medical statement you will require a physician's clearance in order to participate.  You will review the PADI medical statement in the MarineQuest application.  

Learn more about PADI.

Students participating in MarineQuest scuba diving programs are required to bring their own mask, snorkel, and fins.  All other scuba gear (BCD, wetsuit, regulator, computer, weights, and tank) are provided.  Students who would like to use their own gear must provide a receipt of service within one year.  

MarineQuest suggests that you purchase your mask, fins, and snorkel in person at the scuba diving shop.  The mask is very important and should be fitted to your student's face.  If you do not have a shop where you live, students can purchase mask, snorkel, and fins at Aquatic Safaris SCUBA Center, Inc. while during their MarineQuest program.  

 

Frequently Asked Program Questions & Useful Links

Most MarineQuest program educators are marine scientists pursuing or have recently completed their undergraduate or graduate degree in a marine science discipline. Also, we hire teachers who have a passion for marine science education. We search through 100+ staff candidates to identify a summer team with experience working with youth, marine science and hold safety certifications including first aid, lifeguard, and more.

We are proud to have a team that is highly trained in both safety and marine science. Each staff member passes a criminal background check before hiring, is First Aid certified, passes a DMV check if they are driving, and is lifeguard certified if required by their position.

MarineQuest's optional and for some senior programs required overnight programming provides participants with a full pre-college experience.  

After the day's activities, students will have free time before dinner.  After dinner, students will have fun, community, and leadership-based activities as well as additional opportunities for free time to read, exercise, and more.  

Stay overnight with MarineQuest

The MarineQuest staff is more than happy to pick up and drop off students at ILM. An airport transportation request form is required.  In some instances, there may be an additional charge. 

More airport Transportation info

Contact Us

MarineQuest

Phone: (910) 962-2640

marinequest@uncw.edu

Main Office: 626 MacMillan Ave. 
MarineQuest Lab: Center for Marine Science, 5600 Marvin K. Moss Lane 

Registration Office:
Phone: 910.962.2939

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday,
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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